Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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614. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an independent and verifiable impact study on the environmental, economic, social and heritage effects of wind energy developments will be carried out prior to the publication of the national renewable energy export policy and planning framework, which will guide An Bord Pleanála when considering any proposals of a significant scale for wind energy export projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46057/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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As part of our considerations of the mutual benefits from energy co-operation with the United Kingdom, an agreed programme of work, including a full technical and economic analysis, is underway with the aim of finalising an Inter-Governmental Agreement in early 2014. A key objective, from an Irish Government perspective, is to realise the potential for investment, jobs and growth. The amount of energy to be procured by the UK and the mechanisms for sharing the resultant economic benefits, including an appropriate return to the Exchequer, are among the matters to be addressed ahead of signing any Inter-Governmental Agreement.The Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development Framework will be underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which is a formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt the plan or programme. This will be accompanied by a Habitats Directive Assessment (i.e. an Appropriate Assessment (AA)) under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, which will be carried out by my Department based on the findings of a Natura Impact Statement. The first of three public consultations on the framework was launched in October, inviting all interested parties, including members of the public, to make written submissions or observations, to assist in the preparation of the policy and development framework. This initial period of consultation will remain open until 22 November.

Wind farm development in Ireland is subject to the Planning Acts, including the requirements for public consultation. In order to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets, while at the same time ensuring that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with my own Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the existing Wind Energy Planning Guidelines examining the manner in which the Guidelines address key issues such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker. It is expected that revised guidelines will be published for consultation by the end of November with a view to the finalisation of the new guidelines by mid-2014. This will apply to all wind farm development in Ireland.